The High Line is easily the most unique (and scenic) attraction I had the pleasure of checking out on my latest trip to NYC. Before I get in to specifics, here is a (quick) story that should sum up just how important the High Line is to Manhattan.
After grabbing lunch with some old friends at Hill Country Chicken (5-star fried chicken near Union Square - that's for another time, though), a west coast friend who hadn't lived in New York very long (maybe two months) asked another friend (a long-time New Yorker) what to do with us tourists. (My friend and I - stay with me.)
His answer was quick and confident: "Take them to the High Line."
My response: "I love the High Line! I mean, I've never been, but, I'd love to go."
As it turned out, my excitement was completely reasonable. The High Line is an impressive piece of urban planning and engineering, and it's no surprise that it's become a signature attraction on the East Side of Manhattan. Simply put, The High Line is cool.
What's so cool about it?
Well, first off, it's clean. I'm not sure I saw single piece of trash where it shouldn't be in my entire walk up and down The High Line. (Which I think was about 50% of the total distance.) Secondly, the people on it seemed pretty cool, too. It's not too tourist-y, and I swear I saw multiple cast members of the HBO show GIRLS walking about and taking in the views, too. (I know that was you, Lena Dunham!)
Third and, let's face it, most importantly, are the views; The High Line has some really amazing city views. I had the luck of visiting on a warm August afternoon and, while it wasn't the clearest of days in New York, the skyline views were still impressive. There's something unique about observing New York buildings as a bit of an "equal" (since you're as tall as the second floor of surrounding apartments), but you're never high enough above the ground that you're constantly aware of the separation between you and the ground below. It's just a really pleasant and relaxing way to tour NYC, and you can get some impressive photos of the Empire State Building that I doubt you'll find elsewhere.
The High Line is also surrounded by pseudo street art that's worth a break to gaze, and there's even a cool bar near 20th St. (or so... don't hold me to that exact location) where you can stare off at the Hudson River into New Jersey (it's more beautiful than it sounds) while enjoying a craft beer. Plus, there are some really good street performers and some really typical benches, so, I imagine The High Line is also a perfect cheap date.
This one of my "high"lights (See what I did there?) of my trip to New York and, especially in the summer, I can't recommend The High Line enough, whether it's your first or 50th time in NYC.
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.
Jason Bushey
(NYCtourist Staff)
Sep 05, 2012
at 2:41 pm
Points: 10
Joined: November 2010
xxx.xxx.185.247
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 08/12
High Line - The best not-so-hidden gem on the East Side
Venue Reviewed: The High Line
The High Line is easily the most unique (and scenic) attraction I had the pleasure of checking out on my latest trip to NYC. Before I get in to specifics, here is a (quick) story that should sum up just how important the High Line is to Manhattan.
After grabbing lunch with some old friends at Hill Country Chicken (5-star fried chicken near Union Square - that's for another time, though), a west coast friend who hadn't lived in New York very long (maybe two months) asked another friend (a long-time New Yorker) what to do with us tourists. (My friend and I - stay with me.)
His answer was quick and confident: "Take them to the High Line."
My response: "I love the High Line! I mean, I've never been, but, I'd love to go."
As it turned out, my excitement was completely reasonable. The High Line is an impressive piece of urban planning and engineering, and it's no surprise that it's become a signature attraction on the East Side of Manhattan. Simply put, The High Line is cool.
What's so cool about it?
Well, first off, it's clean. I'm not sure I saw single piece of trash where it shouldn't be in my entire walk up and down The High Line. (Which I think was about 50% of the total distance.) Secondly, the people on it seemed pretty cool, too. It's not too tourist-y, and I swear I saw multiple cast members of the HBO show GIRLS walking about and taking in the views, too. (I know that was you, Lena Dunham!)
Third and, let's face it, most importantly, are the views; The High Line has some really amazing city views. I had the luck of visiting on a warm August afternoon and, while it wasn't the clearest of days in New York, the skyline views were still impressive. There's something unique about observing New York buildings as a bit of an "equal" (since you're as tall as the second floor of surrounding apartments), but you're never high enough above the ground that you're constantly aware of the separation between you and the ground below. It's just a really pleasant and relaxing way to tour NYC, and you can get some impressive photos of the Empire State Building that I doubt you'll find elsewhere.
The High Line is also surrounded by pseudo street art that's worth a break to gaze, and there's even a cool bar near 20th St. (or so... don't hold me to that exact location) where you can stare off at the Hudson River into New Jersey (it's more beautiful than it sounds) while enjoying a craft beer. Plus, there are some really good street performers and some really typical benches, so, I imagine The High Line is also a perfect cheap date.
This one of my "high"lights (See what I did there?) of my trip to New York and, especially in the summer, I can't recommend The High Line enough, whether it's your first or 50th time in NYC.
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.